SLT approach evaluation

RTS: Badura's bobo doll study

Scientific Methods: approach uses objective & empirical techniques such as lab experiments & controlled observations. Good because it's easier to establish a cause & effect relationship between observation & imitation. Study had high control over extraneous variables (i.e potential toys to play with) & has high reliability due to highly controlled lab settings & variables (i.e same bobo doll, control group, same no. of each gender & age group for each ppts) Increases internal validity of SLT as an explanation of behaviour.

Methodology: however, SLT can be criticised for demand characteristics “Is that the doll I have to punch” because bobo dolls are supposed to be hit so children will hit the doll regardless of the principles of the theory -  observation and imitation.  Children were acting in a way that they thought was expected of them. Suggesting that the research may tell us little about how children actually learn aggression in real life. Lowering internal & external validity of the study. 

Soft determinism: it sees individuals as being controlled by external factors such as learning from our environment through observation however it does suggest individuals have some choice over their behaviour. This is beneficial as individuals may feel more in control of behaviour & as they can alter their role model & decide whether they have the skills & capabilities to imitate the observed behaviour.  Making the SLT approach a more positive explanation of human behaviour compared to the behaviourist approach which assumes we are not passive learners like the behaviourist approach.